Debate on disabled parking bays

The Scottish Government has backed in principle new laws designed to crack down on drivers who abuse disabled parking spaces.

Legislation being proposed by Labour MSP Jackie Baillie would see fines of up to £60 imposed on able-bodied drivers who park in disabled bays.

The government was "absolutely aligned" with the aims of her proposal, although it may not necessarily agree with some of the details, transport minister Stewart Stevenson said.

Ms Baillie's Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Bill is being considered by members of Holyrood's Local Government and Communities Committee.

Mr Stevenson said: "We absolutely recognise what Ms Baillie is seeking to do with her Bill, and her engagement in helping disabled people across Scotland have access to parking we share absolutely.

"We will engage positively in the process of this Bill, and of course where we think it is necessary we may not always agree on the detail, but I think we will be absolutely aligned on the objective."

Under the Bill, disabled parking bays under local council control would be made legally enforceable rather than the current situation whereby many of the parking places are advisory, meaning other drivers can use them without punishment.